Associate Director, Global Cell Therapy Sourcing, Procurement

AstraZeneca

Associate Director responsible for leading procurement strategies in Cell Therapy for AstraZeneca. Collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive sustainable value and innovation within the procurement function.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeGaithersburg • California, Maryland • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $116,000 - $173,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Category Management within the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on strategic procurement, supplier relationship management, and contract negotiation. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive process improvements while achieving sustainability targets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Category ManagementProcurement StrategiesContract NegotiationProject ManagementAlliance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Category ManagementContract NegotiationProject ManagementChange ManagementLean/Six Sigma MethodologiesTech Transfer ManagementSourcingCost Reduction InitiativesSupplier Relationship ManagementManufacturing Engineering

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsInfluencing SkillsComfort with AmbiguityPeople Leadership

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryCell TherapyCDMOCAR-TTCR-TIn-vivo Gene EditingSustainability TargetsGlobal ProcurementChina Market ExperienceMandarin Language Proficiency

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead implementation of category plans to ensure that the underpinning process improvement and procurement activities deliver business value in accordance with the strategic plan and help towards our Sustainability targets.
Develop long term strategic plans for agreed scope of spend area, with a focus on delivering broader value, innovation, and savings.
Support the team in strategic relationship management (customer and supplier) - ensuring Category Strategies are fully aligned to current and future Business need, and we maintain a supply base capable of supporting these strategies.
Work alongside key stakeholders advising on and driving procurement strategies to make decisions necessary to make purchases in congruence with organizational objectives.
Advise on contracts and agreements for the supply of sophisticated products and services with new and existing suppliers
Cross functional support of global procurement colleagues and collaborate on setting and completing the strategy.
Develop and execute alliance management strategies for key CDMO partnerships
Lead sourcing and negotiation for Auto TCR-T, Allo CAR-T, and In-vivo manufacturing
Drive COGM reduction initiatives for LVV, Plasmids, Gene Editing, and Drug Product
Build resilient, multi-source supplier base for critical materials in collaboration with technical, quality, and external manufacturing teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree or equivalent
7+ years of experience in a procurement environment
Significant experience of Category Management (preferably in Cell Therapy)
Strong project management, change management and people leadership skills
Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry
Strong communication skills and ability to influence others
Comfort with risk and ambiguous situations
Proven track record negotiating and managing complex CDMO contracts (preferred)
Technical background (ideally MS&T, CMC, or manufacturing engineering) (preferred)
Strong alliance management skills balancing cost, quality, and relationship dynamics (preferred)
Experience with novel modalities (CAR-T, TCR-T, in-vivo gene editing) (preferred)
Track record managing tech transfers to CDMOs (preferred)
Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies (preferred)
China market experience and Mandarin language proficiency (for China-focused role) (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, dental, and vision coverage
Qualified retirement programs
Paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)